Ndidi is the defensive midfielder and Silva is meant to be the creator Ndidi made the most tackles in the whole divison last season Silva just tooks too lightweight and scared to try things. We need someone in the middle of the park who can create something. James slow us down, Iborra does a good job for us but isnt creative, Silva was brought in to replace Drinkwater’s creativity and so far hasnt looked anything like the player to do that
I like Iborra and N’didi. Very controlling and other players ahead created. I think that will still work next year
I thought that as well which is why it was strange to me that the roles were reversed the times that Ndidi and Silva played together - looks like Puel wanted Silva's experience and positioning at DM and wanted Ndidi to press from the front which kinda worked looking at games they played together but I would have preferred the other way like you. Is interesting that we aren't linked with many central midfielders - especially as I have heard a rumour that Iborra is homesick and wants to go back to Spain. Only one is Wilshire who would fit the bill if we can keep him fit.
Just remembered the other midfielder who apparently we are close to signing - Stefano Sturaro who from descriptions is a DM...
We have Ndidi, Silva, Iborra, Mendy, King, James, Maddison and Choudhury in the middle of the park. Hence why we havent been linked with anyone
Forgot about Mendy - Puel might be able to get the best out of him. Can see Iborra, King and James leave out of that group though.
Ndidi is the most important of those defensive midfielders for us. His strength is breaking up opposition attacks, and he is the only one capable of doing that, so I would say Puel is wrong to try and make him a 'creative' midfielder, although there's nothing wrong with pushing him slightly further forward and trying to break up opposition play further upfield, but don't expect him to suddenly become a visionary creator. Silva has been disappointing and ineffective so far. Playing in Portugal and on the international stage are vastly different to playing in the Premier League, and he has still to prove his worth for us. If he can't do it in the first part of next season then he needs to be shipped out while he still has some monetary value.
Nigeria are out and Argentine go through - but on the plus side Ndidi, Ihneatcho and Musa will get a break. Kasper and Silva are still flying the Leicester flag in Russia - lets see if Okazaki, Maguire and Vardy can join them. Also Benalouane was there for a bit - hopefully won't knacker himself during the last game.
Apparently Iheanacho was injured and shouldn't have played against Argentina - wonder what condition he'll return to us in... https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/...hi-iheanacho-injured-shouldnt-started-1719958
Vardy will be leading the line vs Belgium - bit of a double edged sword as we will be playing for a draw or even a loss to get the "easier" knockout route.
Okazaki started for Japan but came off injured after 2 minutes. Hopefully nothing serious. Rumours of repetitive falling over syndrome are unfounded
Vardy starts for England, Maguire on the bench. Really hope Vardy gets some decent service and has a good game.
Belgium much smarter than us, two early bookings. Vardy will be instructed not to score and Cahill will hack one into our net.
Not a good idea from Southgate to bin that game off imo. Everyone is focusing on favourable quarter final draw and onwards but in doing so we have a strong Columbia side who Id fancy to beat us instead of Japan. What ever happened to taking it one game at a time! I guess it’ll pay off if we do win Tuesday but whether it’s leicester or England I want to see us go out to win every game and not mess the momentum. Fingers crossed for Tuesday, would be great to get Switzerland/Sweden at the quarter finals stage
I don't think it'll hamper momentum, clubs play different teams in the league and cup and it doesn't. That said, i do feel to many changes were made but i think he wanted to give people game time for the benefit of the squad. I don't think Columbia is going to be an easy game though.
